Diabetes Type 2 – The Growing Epidemic
At FLM Training we have written articles in the past which discuss and outline what Diabetes is and its effects on clients who may suffer with this potentially debilitating condition. Previous blog: The truth about Diabetes
However, we have decided to write another short article based on the release of the most recent study which looks at Diabetes Type 2 hotspots within the UK. According to the NHS (via BBC News) the number of prescriptions for Type 2 Diabetes have increased by 10 million a year to over 35 million in the last 5 years! That’s an increase of almost a third of prescriptions. Wow…how worrying is that!?
The same study also identified areas of London such as Newham (Number 1), Lincolnshire and closer to home Oldham as being in the top 10 places in the UK to suffer with Diabetes Type 2. For those of you who have completed out Personal Trainer courses and also our Exercise Referral qualifications, you’ll be well aware that I often attribute this increase in Diabetes to convenience, toxicity and lack of physical activity. Let me explain why…
Convenience: Although the advancements in technology etc. are great and make our lives far easier and also more comfortable, technology and other conveniences don’t always help our health. For example, convenience food such as Mc Donald’s drive through, Supermarkets meal deals, all you can eat buffets and food that’s delivered makes it far easier than having to make food or prepare meals for work or the next day. As well as this, cars, motorbikes and other motorised vehicles make it far easier to get around… don’t get me wrong, if it’s a long journey then this is great, but how many of us use the car to drive 1 mile or less to go to the local shop? All this convenience results in reduction in the energy consumption / energy expenditure balance. This is not good news for Type 2 Diabetes as one of the primary causes is excess weight gain and poor inactivity as well as poor nutritional choices.
Toxicity: The high levels of toxicity in our food effects our insulin sensitivity which is primarily the main cause of Type 2 Diabetes. Toxicity is greater than ever in the UK, especially in well populated areas such as London, Manchester and Oldham – coincidence that these are in the top 10 hotspots for Diabetes Type 2 in the UK, maybe?
Lack of physical activity: Physical activity doesn’t just include going to the gym, but it also includes things like walking to the shop, which as we outlined above is reducing, mainly due to convenience. As well as this, only 10-15% of the UK’s population actually frequent the gym or fitness classes etc. on a regular basis.
When the above is combined and an individual becomes sedate, makes poor nutritional choices and is exposed to high levels of toxicity, Diabetes Type 2 is a huge possibility. In our opinion the best way to avoid Type 2 Diabetes or to minimise the potential risk of developing it, is to follow these guidelines:
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Reduce sugar intake. High levels of sugar consistently throughout the day will reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the likelihood of Type 2 Diabetes.
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Increase activity levels. By increasing activity levels that will improve insulin sensitivity but also help maintain the energy balance continuum which will help manage weight and body fat.
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Increase the amount of fibre you eat.
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Remove hydrogenated / trans fats the best you can out of your diet.
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Consume more Omega 3 rich foods such as Salmon. Omega 3 has been proven to improve insulin sensitivity which in reality is the opposite to Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance.
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Weight training. Wight training has been suggested to improve insulin sensitivity better than cardiovascular training – it’s also arguably more fun.
So what’s the importance of improving insulin sensitivity and not developing Type 2 Diabetes?
Well… Diabetes Type 2 can cause a lot of complications and cause other co morbidities such as Hypertension, Heart Disease and Obesity. You may be reading this and thinking, well I already know that…. But, did you know that Diabetes can also cause:
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Stroke
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Heart Attacks
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Kidney Problems
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Loss of Eyesight
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Loss of Limbs
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Nerve Damage